National Engineering Industries Ltd (NEI), part of the C.K.A. Birla Group, is transforming from a bearings maker into a technology-focused company offering motion solutions worldwide. The roadmap is ambitious: expand into electric and hydrogen mobility, aerospace, remote monitoring, and other advanced sectors, while seizing today’s opportunities in clean mobility, smart rail systems, and automation-led manufacturing.
Speaking to Mobility Outlook, Rohit Saboo, President & CEO, NBC Bearings, said that at the centre of this transformation is a deep belief that India can become the world’s factory — and NBC wants to help build that future. Digitalisation plays a key role. Since 2021, NEI has been connecting its plants for real-time data capture, analysis, and rapid intervention. The shift isn’t just about technology; it’s a mindset change. Employees across levels are being trained through Coursera courses and AI workshops to be part of this digital wave, he said.
Already, the company’s shop floors feature digital quality logs, automated performance dashboards, predictive maintenance trials, and smart inventory systems. These tools are helping NBC move from reacting to problems to anticipating them — and from process-heavy operations to decisions guided by actionable insights. This is how a bearings company becomes a global motion powerhouse, he said.
NBC’s Industry 4.0 journey is reshaping it from a parts maker into a true solutions provider. The company is rolling out condition monitoring systems and testing AI-powered predictive maintenance tools—helping customers track equipment health, cut downtime, and boost efficiency. On the shop floor, machines are now connected, data flows in real time, and analytics guide decisions, turning traditional plants into smart factories.
Rohit Saboo
According to Saboo, this transformation is opening new business models, such as bundling bearings with digital monitoring or offering them as a service. One of the most exciting innovations is ‘sensor-integrated bearings.’ These precision-engineered components come with built-in sensors to track load, temperature, speed, and vibration. The data flows directly into a customer’s maintenance systems, enabling predictive care that prevents failures, extends lifespan, and optimises performance. For railways, EVs, and automated industries, it means fewer breakdowns, lower costs, and greater reliability.
Advanced Sectors
NBC is gearing up to meet the demands of high-tech sectors like aerospace, EVs, and robotics, where ultra-precision bearings are essential. An the key driver to this push is its Global Technology Centre in Germany, a hub for collaborating with global partners and developing advanced solutions such as hydrogen cell-compatible bearings, coated bearings, and hybrid designs for extreme speeds and temperatures—often co-created with customers to meet exacting standards. On the talent side, “we’re investing in upskilling. Our engineering teams regularly go through advanced training in AI, automation, and smart manufacturing. We're also nurturing future leaders through programmes like sponsored higher studies and Coursera access for employees across levels,” he pointed out.
In the fast-changing automotive landscape—shaped by electrification, new mobility models, and sustainability—NBC’s early work on EV-ready bearings, including low-noise, high-speed, and sensor-integrated designs, is paying off. Growth opportunities are emerging in commercial vehicle electrification and metro rail projects, both requiring rugged, custom-engineered components, he said.
Remaining competitive in price-sensitive markets is a constant test, with global giants and strong domestic rivals in the fray. The key lies in “balancing precision with value—and that’s where NBC’s vertically integrated model gives us a unique advantage. Our in-house capabilities allow us to control quality, optimise costs, and respond quickly to evolving needs. We don’t just manufacture bearings; we design them in collaboration with OEMs, often co-engineering solutions that are both performance-oriented and cost-effective. Beyond that, our focus on operational excellence via Six Sigma projects, digitisation, and lean manufacturing helps us continuously improve our productivity and deliver competitive products without compromising on quality,” he stated.
Building Long-Term Partnerships
As India grows as a global manufacturing hub and OEMs diversify beyond China, NBC is seizing the opportunity to expand its export presence and strengthen its role as a trusted precision engineering partner. Its bearings already reach over 30 countries, with a strong foothold among commercial vehicle OEMs in Europe and the US. By setting up warehouses, sales offices, and customer support teams in the US, Europe, the Middle East, and SAARC markets, NBC has moved closer to its customers, enabling faster deliveries and stronger service. “For us, exports aren’t just about sales—they’re about building long-term partnerships and consistently adding value. Drawing on decades of experience with global customers, we know that reliability, strong engineering support, and on-time delivery are the real keys to success,” he mentioned.
A major boost came from the acquisition of Kinex Bearings in Slovakia, which opened new avenues in railways, aerospace, and special bearings. The partnership blends NBC’s scale with Kinex’s niche expertise, improving cost efficiency, responsiveness, and joint R&D capabilities. This European base, combined with NBC’s Global Technology Centre in Germany, allows the company to co-develop clean mobility and industrial automation solutions directly with global customers. Whether by deepening ties in existing markets or unlocking new segments through strategic acquisitions, the company is shaping itself into a globally competitive motion solutions provider.
Talking on additive manufacturing Saboo said additive manufacturing as a space brimming with potential—especially for rapid prototyping, quick design changes, and low-volume, specialised components. In bearings, the hurdles are real: extreme strength, tight tolerances, and consistent repeatability are non-negotiable. Still, NBC is testing its possibilities for intricate cages, unusual geometries, and advanced material blends. As the technology matures, Saboo sees it becoming a valuable ally—speeding up innovation cycles, enabling custom solutions, and even bringing legacy parts back to life with precision and efficiency. As the technology matures, “we believe it can play a complementary role in customised solutions, legacy part replacement, and rapid innovation cycles,” Saboo concluded.
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